The maritime industry is stepping up its game in the alternative fuels arena, and Anglo-Eastern is leading the charge. The company’s Maritime Training Centre (AEMTC) has just wrapped up its first-ever Pilot Training Course on Ammonia as a Marine Fuel, and it’s a sign of things to come.
The two-day program (24–25 November) brought together 26 participants from across India, representing a mix of shipboard ranks—Masters, Chief Engineers, senior officers, and junior engineers. This diversity wasn’t accidental. It mirrored the real-world dynamics of onboard teams, fostering a collaborative learning environment where shared responsibility was key.
The course wasn’t just about theory. It combined classroom instruction with hands-on experience at the Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy. Trainees got their hands dirty with key procedures in a safe, controlled setting, including time with the Academy’s globally unique LNG/Ammonia bunkering skid. This facility is designed for practical simulation of bunkering operations, giving participants a taste of the real deal.
Ammonia as a marine fuel is a hot topic, and for good reason. It’s a low-carbon alternative that could play a big role in the industry’s decarbonisation push. But it’s not without its challenges. The course zeroed in on safety, operational readiness, and the unique hurdles and opportunities ammonia presents. The goal? To ensure that as ammonia-fuelled vessels hit the water, crews are ready to handle them safely and efficiently.
Aalok Sharma, Group Director of Training at Anglo-Eastern, captured the spirit of the initiative: “As we navigate our journey toward the successful adoption of a multi-fuel future in the maritime industry, we move forward with both pride and caution. Our goal is to ensure that we continually learn while we teach, cultivating an environment of growth and innovation.”
This isn’t Anglo-Eastern’s first foray into alternative fuel training. The company recently introduced a methanol bunkering simulator, developed in collaboration with Wärtsilä. And back in February, it launched the world’s first functional LNG/ammonia bunkering station skid at the Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy (AEMA) in Karjat, Mumbai. These developments show a clear commitment to staying ahead of the curve in maritime training.
The maritime industry is at a crossroads, and alternative fuels are no longer a distant dream—they’re becoming a reality. With initiatives like Anglo-Eastern’s ammonia training course, the sector is gearing up to meet the challenges and opportunities head-on. As the industry steers towards a multi-fuel future, collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning will be the compass guiding the way.